A Late Summer Getaway to Sanibel, Florida

Still looking for those last minute summer getaway ideas?   Then consider visiting one of America’s most beautiful barrier islands.   Sanibel, located just off Fort Myers, is a picture perfect tropical getaway.   Palm trees sway in the warm Florida breezes.  Dolphins frolic close to the shoreline.   The gorgeous blue, green waters of the Gulf of Mexico gently wash ashore some of the most colorful seashells on the planet. 

There are legendary sunsets to enjoy.  If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of that elusive Green Flash.  Local seafood is scrumptious and the views from a few of the area’s best restaurants are second to none.   Then there are those beautiful sun-drenched sand filled beaches.   Sanibel beaches can be quite secluded this time of year.   It’s easy to stake out your perfect spot without having fellow beach goers sitting on top of you!  Shells are still plentiful.  The waters here are so clear that you can scoop up those beautiful shells without having to dive or snorkel!  And the best part – there aren’t any high rises spoiling the view.

Late summer is a great time to visit.  Hotels offer great deals like Buy 3 Nights, Get the 4^th Night Free.  The mid-summer crowds have headed home.  And, those sunsets seem just a little more spectacular in late August and early September.

Interested in learning more?  We have created the ultimate traveler’s guide to Sanibel.  Inside you’ll find details on the area’s best beaches, fun things to do on and off the island, remote island excursions, plus dining and lodging options for every budget.  Purchase it direct from us at:   greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html or from the Amazon Kindle store at:http://amzn.to/zOkYZU

A Native Floridian’s Guide to the Area’s Best Beaches

Florida’s beautiful beaches beckon many a sun worshiper to the state.  From the white-capped waves crashing ashore on the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf of Mexico gently rolling onshore, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

Being a Native Floridian, I’ve spent countless hours walking the shorelines, burying my feet in sugary white sand, swimming, and shelling Florida’s gorgeous shores.   Now, I’m going to share with you my pick for Florida’s best beaches.  I’ve tossed out (for the most part) what the so-called beach experts say and focused on what Native Floridians love best about their treasured shoreline!

Here’s my list (in no particular order).

1.     Sarasota’s Siesta Key – I fully agree with the experts who label this the best beach in the country.  And it’s not because I grew up in the area!   Siesta Key has some of the whitest, softest sand you’ll ever sink your feet into.  Combine that with the calm, beautiful blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and you’ve got the ultimate beach getaway!  It’s the perfect beach to relax on.  Plop your beach chair or blanket in that ultra soft sand.  The surf is usually quite calm, making swimming a breeze.  Or, walk down the beach in the hopes of picking up a shell or too.

Tip:  Siesta Key is packed, especially on the weekends, making parking a challenge.  We recommend arriving early (by 9AM) to get a spot and avoid that oppressive mid-day Florida heat!

2.     Sanibel’s Shoreline- If you love collecting seashells, then Sanibel’s beaches are tailor-made for you!   Sanibel is known as “The Sea-Shell Capital of the World.”  Because of its location, hundreds of thousands of shells wash ashore each year.   Beautiful scalloped calicos, fighting conchs, and welks are just a few of the treasures you can scoop up and bring home. 

Sanibel’s beaches are spectacular.  You can stand on the shoreline and shells will wash over your tanned toes.  The water is so clear that you can scoop up some of the more prized shells before they ever reach the shore.  An added bonus – dolphins love to frolic close to the tropical shoreline.  Plus, the nightly sunsets are spectacular.

Note:  There is a $6 toll to cross the Sanibel-Captiva Causeway.  And all beach parking is paid parking.  Do not park in resident-only parking spots.  You’ll be fined and/or towed.

3.     Marathon’s Sombrero Beach – This is The Florida Key’s finest beach.   It’s picture-postcard perfect with swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters of the Atlantic, and some shade!   Since the beach sits inside the reef, the water is generally calm making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling,  and diving.  Look to your south and you’ll see the famed Sombrero Beach lighthouse.   Then take a short walk out to the point to see tropical fishes galore!    There’s even a jungle gym for the kids and a picnic area where you can grill out.

Tip:  Weekdays are the best time to come.  The parking area is small and can fill up quite quickly on the weekends!

4.     Saint Augustine Beach – Forget about towering high-rises and fancy resorts.  Saint Augustine Beach is the quintessential laid-back beach town.  If you love beach walks, this beach is for you!  It is one of Florida’s best walking beaches.  The sand is hard packed, flat, and firm.  It’s even better at low-tide when the beach stretches out seemingly forever.   It is easy to spend 2, 3, or even 4 hours walking down the shoreline.  But that’s not all!   Surfers love to come strut their stuff on the water – there always seems to be a swell.  Fishermen come to take advantage of the pier.  And friends and families enjoy staking out that perfect spot to build sandcastles and picnic!

Tip:   Doggies are allowed to frolic in the sand and swim in the refreshing ocean waters as long as their owner’s pick-up after them.

Looking to plan your ultimate Florida beach vacation?  Consider purchasing our pocket travel guides to The Florida Keys or Sanibel.   Purchase the PDF Versions direct from us at greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html  or from the Amazon Kindle Store at www.amazon.com/dp/B005CJ85XI (The Florida Keys) and http://amzn.to/zOkYZU (Sanibel).

Where to Find Florida’s Most Spectacular Sunset

Florida’s West Coast is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather. Every night, Mother Nature puts on a spectacular display as the Sun gently sinks into the Gulf of Mexico. But, which Florida town has the most spectacular sunsets?

Sanibel and Captiva get our vote. The area’s secluded picture perfect, shell laden beaches are the perfect place to catch the last few minutes of the day’s golden sun rays.

As the sky turns a beautiful burnt orange, sunset lovers gather on the shoreline. It’s not unusual to see pelicans circling in the sky or a school of dolphins frolicking by the shore. They don’t want to miss the show either! As the sun begins its slow descent into the warm, calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the anticipation builds. Will tonight be the night to see the famous, but elusive “Green Flash?” If not, there’s always tomorrow!

Sanibel and Captiva are two of Florida’s best beach getaways. Their award winning beaches are known for the thousands of shells that wash ashore. Beaches are generally uncrowded. The surf is gentle, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. And daytime temperatures rarely dip below 70 degrees.

To plan your tropical getaway, purchase our Sanibel/Captiva Pocket Travel Guide. It’s filled with beaches to relax on, places to see, remote islands to visit, and lodging ideas for every budget. Purchase it direct from us at: greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html or from the Amazon Kindle store at: amzn.to/zOkYZU

Florida’s Dog Friendly Beaches – Sanibel

So, it’s finally August, one of the hottest and steamiest months of the year. We are officially in the dog days of summer. Wouldn’t your canine best friend love a day at the beach?

I have a yellow Labrador retriever named Smokey, and living in Florida, he loves his beach days. But, you may have trouble finding dog friendly beaches in the Sunshine State. Many of the beaches don’t allow dogs. Some only allow dogs to visit certain times of the day. And then there are the few beaches that dogs are allowed to play on any time of day.

Sanibel has to be one of the most dog friendly beaches in Florida. In fact, Smokey gives their beaches his very coveted Four Paws Up award!!



Sanibel is one of Florida’s most beautiful beach destinations. Located west of Fort Myers, the beaches are known around the world for their beautiful blue green waters, white sandy beaches, and shelling. In fact, people come from all over the world in search of some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful treasures.

All of Sanibel’s beaches are dog friendly. As long as your dog is on a leash, he (or she) can walk along the shoreline, play in the water, dig holes, and roll around in the sand. You can walk for miles on beaches that are literally postcard perfect. If you get hot, you and your pooch can go for a swim. Smokey loves to swim out to the sandbar and back!!

For humans, it doesn’t get much better than this. Pick out your favorite spot on the beach. Setup the chairs, beach umbrella, picnic lunch, then sit back, relax, and feel the tropical breezes on your face.

Two of Smokey’s favorite dog friendly beaches on Sanibel are:

• Bowman’s Beach: This beach is located just off Sanibel-Captiva Road. Shimmering white sand, beautiful blue-green water, excellent shelling, and some pretty good fishing make this a popular spot for both humans and canines.
• Blind Pass: Blind Pass links Sanibel to Captiva. Dogs are only allowed on the Sanibel side. Park in the small lot and then start walking. You can walk for miles here or pick out your perfect spot to relax.



To get to Sanibel, you will have to pay a $6 toll to cross the causeway. And, once you get to your beach, you will have to pay to park by the hour. But it’s a small price to pay for a lifetime of beach memories for you and your dog.

OK. I am going to shamelessly promote one of the travel guides I wrote for Great American Vacation Ideas. The Sanibel-Captiva guide is filled with areas to visit on the islands, detailed beach information, shelling tips, plus lodging and dining ideas. Go to our website, www.greatamericanvacationideas.com and click on the Florida tab to purchase it. Once your done reading, you will want to pack your bags and leave today!!!